No one has ever seen an Eastern Conference Finals featuring both the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers since 2000, and it cannot be denied that there is a huge spectacle brewing hot in this series. Now that the Pacers have thrown the first punch, it seems that fans and the rest of the NBA are in for a massive ride on the biggest stage of the East.

For what it is worth, the Knicks and Pacers have been gnawing at each other since the regular season. Of course, a lot of people did not expect to see both of these teams on the big stage before they both eliminated the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers, respectively. Now they are warring on the big stage, and it is definitely worth the wait for the NBA.

After all, New York is the NBA’s biggest team – both in value and fanbase. Indiana, on the other hand, is one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference that has earned a solid revival of its fanbase after so many years of poor playoff contention, and this series seems to be nothing short of impressive.

Game 1 Was Already a Blast

The Knicks were up by 17 points within the final moments of the fourth quarter – and that’s when the Pacers started to claw their way back and even force OT. Aaron Nesmith pulled off a flurry of threes and finished with a total of eight in the game. Tyrese Haliburton would then go for an attempt at a game-winner.

He got into the paint and was already close to firing up a shot, but decided to step back to the three-point line with the hopes of winning it for the Knicks. Haliburton’s jumper was away as the buzzer sounded, but it bounced off the rim, only to find its way back into the basket.

In a replay, however, it was shown that Haliburton’s toe was on the line, deeming it a two-pointer to tie it at 125. After going side-by-side and exchange of buckets, the Pacers would go on to steal Game 1 after a dunk by Obi Toppin and a go-ahead basket from Andrew Nembhard.

But perhaps the highlight of the game was the fact that Haliburton pulled off the choke signal to the crowd – which was the iconic celebration that former Pacers star Reggie Miller did to Spike Lee back in 1994. To make this even more special, Miller was also part of the broadcast crew commentating the game.

Why the Knicks-Pacers Series is a Win for the NBA?

The odds are quite close for both the Pacers and the Knicks to make it to the NBA Finals. New York stood at +1600 while Indiana had +1000 to begin the season, but now it is at +550 and +750, respectively.

Rekindling one of the league’s most iconic rivalries from the '90s, this series has delivered instant classics.

Crucially, the Knicks' presence at this level massively amplifies the NBA’s reach. As the most valuable franchise in the league – with global recognition, a loyal fanbase, and a media epicenter in New York – every high-stakes Knicks playoff game drives ratings, social media engagement, and international viewership.

Their matchup with the fast-rising Pacers represents not only compelling basketball but also a business and branding triumph for the league. The dramatic storylines, marquee markets, and deep-rooted history make this series a defining cultural moment – exactly what the NBA needs to energize its global audience in a highly competitive sports and entertainment landscape.